Microwave Drying of Corn II. Constant Power, Continuous Operation

In the use of microwave energy for drying corn, drying rate increased with microwave power level but decreased with air velocity. The temperature of the kernels in the bed increased with increasing power as evidenced by the higher outlet air temperatures. Inlet air temperature did not affect the drying behavior. The moisture content of the corn at any given instant was higher for higher inlet air velocities. Germination was inversely related to microwave power level and increased with air velocity. Power levels not higher than 0.25 W/g are recommended for seed drying purposes. Predictive models relating absorbed microwave power and air velocity to germination and bulk density are presented.